However, you will probably have lost any extras, including VMG (video manager) files, subtitles, hidden files, adverts and alternative audio formats. What you have done so far is to rip a couple of DVDs to MPEG-2 (.mpg), so you may have the full original video, but de-interlaced so it is now in the progressive display format used by computer monitors and HD TVs.
You could also play the ISO disc image using a software DVD player, including VideoLan’s VLC, or rip it using your choice of DVD ripping software. You could burn this copy to another DVD for backup purposes. If you want to preserve everything on a DVD, then the simplest option is to copy the whole disc as an ISO disc image. The 720 x 480 format came from America’s NTSC television system and 720 x 576 from Europe’s PAL. MPEG-2 was the obvious choice for DVDs as it was already being used for broadcast and cable television. The result is a resolution of 720 x 576 pixels at 25 frames per second, for 50Hz TV sets, or a resolution of 720 x 480 pixels at 29.97 frames per second, for 60Hz TV sets. The video is interlaced for display on ordinary TV sets. The video is held in VOB (Video Object) files. Most DVDs store movies in the standard MPEG-2 format (aka H.262) defined by the Motion Pictures Expert Group, though MPEG-1 is also supported. I’ve tried importing these into iTunes for syncing with my iPad, but iTunes does not seem to like them. What file formats would you recommend to enable me to remain flexible and future-proof myself as much as possible? I have already tried a couple of DVDs saved as.
I would also like to preserve any multichannel audio (ie 5.1 surround sound). I’m not overly concerned about file size, and would prefer the best-quality video and audio possible. I planned to store the content on my NAS to stream/sync to a range of devices, including a couple of DLNA-compliant Smart TVs, iPad, iPhone, Xbox 360 and obviously PCs. Having a bit of a clear out, I thought I would rip some old DVDs to free up some space, as I did with my music collection some years ago. Digital Replica Edition Home Page Close Menu